The turmoil followed the board's 5-3 vote approving a new three-year contract raising Vermilion schools superintendent Jerome Puyau's salary by roughly $US38,000, to about $US177,000 annually, with incentive targets that could add 3 per cent a year.

Video of the meeting shows Ms Hargrave addressed the superintendent directly after raising her hand and being invited to speak. She was then asked to leave.

The officer followed her into the hallway, where moments later, a camera recorded her on the floor with her hands behind her back, being handcuffed and complaining that the officer had pushed her down.

Ms Hargrave said she felt her First Amendment rights were violated during the arrest and was considering filing a lawsuit.

The American Civil Liberties Union and her teachers union are investigating Ms Hargrave's case.

Mr Puyau, who said he began receiving hate mail and threatening phone calls as the video spread on the internet, wouldn't comment on who ordered the teacher's removal, but said he was not happy with how things played out.

"It was not good in any way," he said.

"We are a good community. It took everybody by surprise. I'm having a hard time with this, but we care about our teachers and our support staff."